Archive for month: January, 2015

The “2015 Kitchen and Bath Design Trends” report from the National Kitchen and Bath Association gives a heads-up on what’s new for kitchen industry insiders. Our own Morris Black Designer Christine Shorr was quoted in the report as an expert in the lead trend for 2015: Clean, contemporary kitchens with a fusion of styles and multiple colors.

“I am seeing lots of white painted perimeters with Expresso-stained islands,” Christine was quoted in the report, “and dark-stained kitchen perimeters with light-colored painted islands.” Christine loves the contrast, and notes that the contrasting cabinetry can work well with any style of cabinetry, and adds a spark of personality to the room.

“In fact”, Christine added, “I am not just seeing this trend, I am doing this myself. In the model kitchen shown here, designed for Spectrum Homes, I added a darker furniture-style island (with an eat-in countertop) as a contrast to the light painted KraftMaid cabinetry on the perimeter.

This is a large kitchen without direct sunlight, so light cabinets were my first thought, but all white would have been too much. The darker island gives the room an interesting focal point.”

To take advantage of more of our Designers’ insights, visit our showroom on Marcon Blvd in Allentown and speak to a designer about your remodeling project.

Morris Black designer Rich Kruse is great at spotting emerging design trends… here’s his latest find: Painted Ceilings. Not the eggshell or white choice of the past, but bright accent colors. You’d think this would make the room seem smaller, but actually, it can make the walls appear taller and the ceiling expand into infinity (think the night sky). This works well in a powder room, kitchen, kid’s bedroom or dining room – actually, we challenge you to find a room where – done thoughtfully – this wouldn’t Wow your guests. Visit our Facebook page and post your pictures!

One last piece of advice from Rich: Pick a room with lots of natural light.

For a $40 investment in paint and a Saturday, you can add a dramatic accent to your ceiling! Need inspiration? Visit our showroom on Marcon Boulevard for more great ideas.

Since the new year began, Morris Black Designer Rich Kruse has been noticing some interesting design trends. Today’s trend is an exciting new neutral paint color: Mushroom. One of our main suppliers, KraftMaid, introduced Mushroom as a paint choice for cabinetry, and it has been gaining in popularity here in the LehighValley. In fact, Rich has designed and installed two Mushroom kitchens since the color was introduced in 2014. It’s a bright, clean color that mixes well with other neutrals or with a pop of color, and is a nice alternative to white or biscuit shades of the past. It does what a neutral should – gets along well with everyone else and is pleasing enough that you won’t get tired of seeing it.

Visit the Morris Black showroom (Marcon Blvd, off Airport Rd in Allentown) and ask to see the Mushroom sample doors from KraftMaid, then plan your kitchen (or other room!) remodeling project with this friendly new neutral.